Nick Kyrgios made a triumphant return to the world of tennis when he partnered Novak Djokovic in a successful doubles match at the Brisbane International.
Kyrgios, who had not played for 18 months, and Djokovic defeated Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 10-8 in a match that delighted fans in Brisbane.
Fans enjoyed some stunning moments, including Djokovic’s winner around the net and Kyrgios’ goal.
Djokovic defeated Kyrgios in the 2022 Wimbledon final, and a close friendship between the duo has developed since then.
“It was amazing! Amazing atmosphere. It’s great to be back,” Djokovic said.
“I want to thank Nick for playing. He said the other day that it should be a pleasure to play with him, and it is!
“I’m happy to share the court with him when he returns. I haven’t played many doubles matches, so everything Nick says I follow.”
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Kyrgios loved Djokovic’s shot into the net
Kyrgios added: “I was surprised that he doubted himself a little in some moments and I told him: Brother, you are the greatest of all time, do what you have to do.”
“I was looking around at all the fans and this beautiful stadium. This injury has been tough for me, so I didn’t take it for granted. I don’t know how many Australian summers I have left.
“We promised we’d do it once before he or I left.”
Kyrgios will make his first singles appearance since June 2023 on Tuesday, live sky sports tennis, He will play with Frenchman Giovanni Mpiche Pericar, while Djokovic will face Australian Rinki Hijikata.
Djokovic and Kyrgios will return to men’s doubles action on Wednesday against top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
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